Red Bull dealt crucial message in Max Verstappen title push

Former Red Bull F1 driver Christian Klien has delivered the Austrian outfit a clear message, that it must introduce upgrades to allow Max Verstappen to fight for a fifth drivers' title. 

Verstappen converted second on the grid to second on the podium in the Canadian Grand Prix after not quite having the pace to challenge race winner George Russell. 

Red Bull did protest Russell's victory following two incidents whilst behind the late safety car; however, the FI rejected it completely. 

The safety car was triggered by Lando Norris crashing out at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after colliding with Oscar Piastri, hurting the Briton's title chances. 

Norris retired immediately after the lap 67 crash, with championship leader Piastri going on to finish in fourth. As a result, Verstappen has reduced his deficit to 43 points. 

It was a reminder that the four-time world champion cannot be ruled out of the title fight, with Klien pointing out that Canada showed McLaren will have weak circuits. 

However, to truly allow Verstappen to fight Piastri and Norris for the championship, the 42-year-old has insisted that upgrades are needed to the RB21.

"Yeah, I think it's effective, you never should underestimate Verstappen and Red Bull," Klien exclusively told RacingNews365. "All weekend, in qualifying and the race, they were beating McLaren, which is their main competitor. 

"So that shows also that at least McLaren has a few tracks where they have a little bit of a weakness, and the performance of Red Bull was there this weekend. 

"And if others do mistakes then, then Verstappen is there. If they can challenge McLaren on the long run for the championship, I think they would need an upgrade for that, that brings them closer in striking distance let's say to McLaren. 

"But yeah for every now and then he's good to be on the podium and challenge them."